Dengue: How to identify the Aedes aegypti mosquito

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Dengue: How to identify the Aedes aegypti mosquito

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TNN

Updated: Dec 4, 2018, 18:26 IST

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Dengue fever is caused by the bite of an Aedes Aegypti mosquito. This female mosquito lays eggs in water containers and plants near your surroundings. The species can survive year round in the subtropical and tropical regions and can bite humans as well as animals.
Aedes aegypti is a small, dark coloured mosquito that has white lyre-shaped markings and banded legs. The mosquito usually bites people indoors and lays eggs during the daytime in water that contains organic material like leaves, algae etc. These containers usually have a wide-opening and are dark in colour.

The mosquito lays eggs three days after feeding on the blood. When the rain floods the eggs with water, these larvae hatch. Generally, the larvae feed upon algae, small aquatic organisms, particles of plants, when in the water-filled containers.

The entire cycle from egg to adult occurs in 7-8 days and the lifespan of an adult mosquito is around three weeks.

These egg production sites are within or in close proximity to households. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito doesn’t remain alive through the winter season in the egg stage due to the cold weather.

Biting behaviourThe Aedes Aegypti mosquito bites primarily during the day. It is most active for two hours after the sunrise and several hours before the sunset. But there are chances that it can bite you at night as well. The mosquito usually bites on the ankles and elbows.

How to protect yourself- Check your surroundings for any water-filled pits or containers.

- Apply mosquito repellent cream with at least 10 per cent DEET on the exposed area.

- Use mosquito netting over infant carriers – cribs and strollers

- Make sure you keep your doors and windows closed during the daytime.

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